Background:
Lead chromate is not often found in interior or exterior household paints. However, marine and industrial paints
can contain lead chromate pigments. Paints containing lead chromate pigments include colors that are bright yellow, red,
orange and some greens. Paints that are pastel or neutral in color do not contain lead chromate pigments.
LeadCheck® Swabs will detect the lead in these paints but it will take longer for color to develop. In general, where lead
chromate pigments are present the higher the lead chromate concentration the shorter the LeadCheck® development time.
As an alternative a method is described using ChromateCheck™ Swabs. If no chromate is found when the surface is tested
using ChromateCheck™ Swabs, then LeadCheck® Swab test results should be instant.
Method:
A. Use LeadCheck® Swabs: Follow the general directions for testing a painted
surface.
- Cut a "notch" in the paint down to the substrate.
- Activate a LeadCheck® Swab according to the directions supplied with the kit.
- Rub Swab tip on the test surface for about 30 seconds.
- If the Swab tip does not turn pink, and a lead chromate pigment is suspected:
a) Squeeze a drop of fluid from the swab onto one of the dots on the Test Confirmation Card. DO NOT LET THE
SWAB TIP TOUCH THE CARD!
b) If the drop of fluid turns the dot on the confirmation card pink, seal the swab in a zip-lock plastic bag for further
observation.
- Observe the tip of the swab and/or surface tested. If a lead chromate pigment is present, pink will appear on the test
surface or swab tip in as few as 5 to 10 minutes, or as long as 18 hours depending on the lead chromate concentration
in the paint.
B. Use ChromateCheck™ Swabs: Confirm the presence of chromate ion (hexavalent chromium)
with ChromateCheck™.
- Prepare a second notch on the painted surface as described in the instructions.
- Activate a ChromateCheck™ Swab according to the directions and rub the swab into the prepared notch for 30
seconds. A pink to purple color indicates the presence of chromate pigments.
Interpretation of Results:
- If ChromateCheck™ is positive, chromate pigments are present.
LeadCheck® development time will be longer.
- A delayed positive result with LeadCheck® Swabs
indicates lead chromate pigments are present.
- A positive ChromateCheck™ result with a negative LeadCheck® result indicates that chromate pigments other than
lead chromate pigments are present.
Please Note: ChromateCheck™ Swabs detect hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen regulated by OSHA.
*LeadCheck® Swabs are a versatile and sensitive screening tool for the detection of lead on any surface. This note provides a suggested
method to allow testing for a specific application. Additional information and help are available by calling 800-262-5323 or 508-651-7881.
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